It seems like nobody is more surprised that James Blunt is the No. 1 singer-songwriter in the U.K. right now than James Blunt. With a family history of military service that dates back to 955 A.D. and a father who considered music to be "unnecessary noise," the odds were definitely stacked against him. But thanks to determination, timing, and the breathtaking songs on his debut album Back to Bedlam, Blunt is finding himself in an increasingly bright spotlight of international attention and acclaim.

Discouraged from music as a child, Blunt was first able to try his hand at piano when he was sent off to boarding school at 7. Though the instrument made an impression, it wasn't until he picked up his first guitar at 14 that his true passion and gift for music revealed itself. He quickly realized that he wanted to be a musician, but there was a rough stretch of years when life got in the way.

At 18, Blunt entered a four-year program at Bristol University sponsored by the British Army. After graduation, he fulfilled his four-year military obligation as a peacekeeper in Kosovo. The violent surroundings weren't much of a backdrop for songwriting.

When James returned home, he decided to pursue music full-time and formed a band to record some demos. Within a matter of months, he had a manager and publishing deal. His 2003 performance at Austin's SXSW Festival caught the attention of producer Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes, Courtney Love, Christina Aguilera, Pink) who quickly signed him to her Custard Records label.

James recorded Back to Bedlam in L.A. while lodging with actress Carrie Fisher. His most recent single, "Goodbye My Lover," was recorded on the piano Fisher kept in her bathroom. James began headlining shows and festivals around Europe to support the album, eventually scoring an opening slot on Elton John's 2004 tour.

While James was in England for Christmas, he dropped by the Gibson/Baldwin Showroom in London to pick up a new case for his trusty J-45, try out a Blues King, and chat about his plans for the future.

When did you first begin playing guitar? How did you learn? I took up the electric guitar at 14. Someone at school showed me a few chords, and away I went. The guitar was liberating because I could take it to my room, practice in privacy, make noise, and experiment.

Was your early childhood completely non-musical? We didn't have a CD player in the house, but I played the violin and the piano. Maybe that's why my dad thought music was a terrible noise.

You decided you wanted to be a musician at a fairly early age. How did you get involved with studying engineering? I did economics, physics, and chemistry for A Levels, and got a pilot's license at 16 through the RAF. It just seemed to make sense to go on to university to study aerospace manufacturing engineering. I don't recommend it to anyone. It was very boring.

What did you think when you first arrived in L.A.? I was there to do the album, and got really absorbed in the recording process. At the same time, I was in a city I hadn't spent much time in, so I went out a lot. It's a fun place to visit, particularly if you know people there.

What is your main guitar? My main guitar is a '66 J-45. It's old and beat-up. It's actually a very quiet guitar, but has a really warm tone. I also just got a spare guitar-a '58 LG-1. It's smaller, so it doesn't have the refined sound of the J-45, but it has its own magic.

What effects or different tunings do you use? I don't use any effects, just a tuner. I just put a double acoustic pickup on the guitars, though, that have a pickup and a microphone. They have a stereo output so you can mix the sounds. I just use standard tuning. I use a capo a lot, as high as the 8th fret on some songs, and also tune the guitar down a semi-tone when I'm hungover and singing early in the morning.

What is your favorite song on your album? "So Long, Jimmy" is a great song to play live as well as listen to on the album. It's just a fun song.

What is your favorite song that isn't yours? "Where Is My Mind" by the Pixies.

What will you be doing one year from now? I'll be in the studio doing another album.